WhatsApp Username Feature Paused in India! Govt Raises Scam & Privacy Concerns

July 2, 2026

A feature designed to give users more privacy has now landed in the middle of a policy debate. WhatsApp’s new username feature, which lets people chat without sharing their phone numbers, has been temporarily put on hold in India after the government raised concerns over possible misuse.

While the update promises better privacy, officials fear it could also make online scams and impersonation easier.

The move has sparked a wider discussion on how to balance user privacy with digital safety in one of WhatsApp’s biggest markets.

What is the Username Feature?

WhatsApp recently started allowing its more than 500 million users in India—and billions around the world—to reserve unique usernames. Users can create a handle such as @yourname through the app’s settings.

Once the feature is fully rolled out, people will be able to message others using only their username instead of sharing their mobile number. This helps keep personal contact details private while chats continue to remain end-to-end encrypted.

The feature allows usernames between three and 35 characters. WhatsApp has also introduced an optional four-digit PIN that can add an extra layer of security when someone sends a message for the first time using a username. Users may also see information such as whether the sender is using a new account or shares common groups with them. According to WhatsApp, the feature is especially useful for businesses, creators, public figures, and anyone who does not want to share their personal phone number with strangers.

Government’s Big Concerns

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) sent a formal notice to WhatsApp’s chief compliance officer on July 1, 2026. It has asked the company to explain the feature in detail within three days and has directed it to pause the rollout in India until further discussions are completed.

The government’s biggest concern is that the feature could make it easier for scammers to pretend to be government departments, banks, public officials, or trusted organisations. Fraudsters may create usernames that look almost identical to official ones and use them to trick people into sharing money, passwords, or personal information.

The notice also points to the growing risks of online fraud, phishing attacks, “digital arrest” scams, and identity theft. Officials believe that if phone numbers are no longer visible, identifying and tracing fraudsters could become more difficult. With India already seeing a rise in cybercrime, the government wants to make sure proper safeguards are in place before the feature is launched widely.

WhatsApp’s Response and Safeguards

Meta and WhatsApp say they have already built several security measures into the feature. These include reserving certain high-profile usernames, showing useful information about first-time senders—such as whether the account is new or shares common groups—and limiting how many new people an account can contact in a short period.

The company has also clarified that usernames are completely optional. Users who prefer sharing their phone numbers can continue using WhatsApp as they do now. According to Meta, the aim is to improve user privacy without reducing security or making the platform less safe.

Why This Matters in India

India is WhatsApp’s largest market, with hundreds of millions of active users. Any new feature that affects privacy, security, or law enforcement naturally receives close attention from regulators. The government has earlier raised concerns about anonymous communication on other platforms and has repeatedly said that technology companies must ensure their products are not misused for illegal activities.

The temporary pause gives both the government and WhatsApp time to review the feature and discuss additional safety measures before a wider rollout. Users can still reserve usernames, but the complete launch in India will happen only after the necessary approvals.

Experts believe issues such as verified accounts, stronger reporting systems, and quicker cooperation with law enforcement will play an important role in these discussions. The final decision could influence not only how WhatsApp rolls out the feature in India but also how global technology companies introduce similar privacy updates in one of the world’s biggest digital markets.